About Us
Our Pastor
Our First Lady
Our First Lady
Pastor Michael H. Harrison Sr. was born to the late Pastor John H. & Rosa Harrison on December 25, 1956. Pastor Harrison graduated from Central High School in 1975 and attended U.S.I.T. where he received a degree in Electronics. Pastor Harrison attended International Bible Institute and Seminary, graduating with a BA in Theology.
Pastor
Pastor Michael H. Harrison Sr. was born to the late Pastor John H. & Rosa Harrison on December 25, 1956. Pastor Harrison graduated from Central High School in 1975 and attended U.S.I.T. where he received a degree in Electronics. Pastor Harrison attended International Bible Institute and Seminary, graduating with a BA in Theology.
Pastor Harrison is married to Sylvia and has three children: LaTonya, James, and Michael Jr.; he also has grandchildren and great grandchildren whom he loves very much.
Pastor Harrison worked in Computer Operations and the Help and Information Centers of Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. in Akron from 1977 to 1985. In 1985, Pastor Harrison went into full-time ministry at the United Baptist Church in Akron, Ohio. There, he coordinated the church’s Christian Education program. His other responsibilities included Children’s Church, Teens Ministry, Singles & Marriage classes, the Help Ministry, Evangelism, Revival promotions and the Transportation Ministry.
In 1989, Pastor Harrison was called to the Pastorate of the Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Midland, PA., where he founded the Pastor’s Council of Beaver Valley and vicinity and served as President. Under his pastorate, the church was remodeled, and the Ministries of the church were broadened in the community. He also served as Treasurer of the Allegheny Union Baptist Association.
In 1995, Pastor Harrison was called to the Pastorate of the Union Baptist Church, Youngstown, Ohio. Under his leadership, a new sanctuary with seating capacity of over 800 was built and occupied in 1997. The congregation grew from 125 to over 650 in his first four years. Under the leadership of Pastor Harrison, Union Baptist Church has been blessed with many new ministries to meet the needs of the congregation and community. The Sanctuary Mortgage was paid off in May 21st, 2006, eight years in advance!
Pastor maintains seats on several Boards such as Building One American which involves Organizing for Inclusion, Sustainability, and Economic Growth. Pastor Harrison is Past National Chairperson of the Oasis Network African American Leadership Commission and is the former National Clergy Caucus representative of AALC to the National Leadership Assembly of the Gamaliel Foundation; Past President of ACTION; Past President of the Baptist Pastor’s Council of Youngstown and vicinity and Past Chair of MVOC (Mahoning Valley Organizing Collaborative), a community based collaboration of Churches and Block Clubs for the betterment of the Youngstown/Warren Regional Area. He is currently the 1st Vice Moderator of the Eastern Ohio, Western Pennsylvania, Northern West Virginia Baptist Association (EOBA). He’s also currently the President of the Ohio Baptist State Convention, Inc. and is the Co-Chair of the Ohio Organizing Collaborative, which is a state-based collaboration of Churches for the betterment of the state.
In 2004 – 2005, Pastor Harrison was selected as an honored member of The Heritage Registry of Who’s Who. Also, in 2004, Pastor Harrison was chosen as "One of the World’s Most Loved Pastors" by the Gospel Today Magazine. In April 2008, Pastor Harrison became a member of the Mahoning County Juvenile Court Citizens Advisory Board. In 2009, Pastor Harrison was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Wean Foundation.
Pastor Harrison is a community leader and activist who has a passion for people, ministry and the Word of God. Pastor Harrison is a living testimony of Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Our First Lady
Our First Lady
Our First Lady
Sylvia A. Harrison, affectionately known as “Sis. Syl,” is the First Lady of the Union Baptist Church in Youngstown, Ohio. She has been married to Pastor Michael H. Harrison, Sr. for 36 years and together they have three adult children: LaTonya, James, and Michael Jr. She is also a grandmother of nine grandchildren and two great-grands.
Sylvia A. Harrison, affectionately known as “Sis. Syl,” is the First Lady of the Union Baptist Church in Youngstown, Ohio. She has been married to Pastor Michael H. Harrison, Sr. for 36 years and together they have three adult children: LaTonya, James, and Michael Jr. She is also a grandmother of nine grandchildren and two great-grands.
Sylvia has been employed at the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company for over 43 years, working in various positions at the company.
Sylvia graduated from Walsh University in 2011 where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management. Prior to her enrollment at Walsh, she attended classes at Bible Study Fellowship Inc. for five years.
Sylvia’s role in ministry at Union involves: Servant Leader of the Women of Purpose ministry, the Deaconess Ministry, and assisting with teaching the Christian Growth new member’s class.
Sylvia loves working and interacting with the women of Union and she strives to be a Godly role model for the young women. Through the Women of Purpose ministry, she has witnessed God’s blessings and spiritual growth for many women over the years, including herself.
Sylvia was most recently privileged to facilitate a class for Pastor’s and Minister’s Wives at the Ohio Baptist State Convention, Inc. women’s retreat. She is amazed at how God is pushing her out of her comfort zone.
One of Sylvia’s favorite scriptures is Psalms 27. Her desire is to continue to grow closer to God spiritually, so that God may be glorified through her life.